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I became
interested in photography at age nine when my favorite uncle gave me
some darkroom equipment (a film developing tank, a contact printing
frame, a few trays, and chemicals). The results of my first efforts
in my bathroom/darkroom impressed me as pure magic. My little
contact prints curled severely as they dried—I did not know how to
flatten them. I knew that photography would always hold a central
place in my life.
After working as a
professional photojournalist for a number of years, I decided to
realize some of the dreams I had held for a long time. Working
through the London bureau of the Associated Press, I took an
extended trip through several West African countries in late 1978.
This experience radically changed me, broadened my outlook on the
world, and significantly contributed to my growth as a photographer.
The work was difficult and challenged me in new ways. Not only was
this my first experience photographing in a foreign country, it was
the first time I traveled overseas. I had to navigate my way through
unfamiliar geography, cultures, and languages. Since then, I have
had the good fortune to photograph in many countries in Europe, the
former Soviet Union, Asia, Central America, the Middle East, and the
Caribbean.
My photography
reflects my endless fascination with how people live and what they
do. I try to capture the details, moments, and scenes that, for me,
convey the essential qualities of everyday life. The images I record
are the notes I make in response to my observations. I often do not
ponder long on making a composition. I am drawn to the fleeting
moment—I rely on my intuitive sense of balance and insight. I
always try to portray the dignity of my subjects as well as my
interest in them. There are common threads that run through all
cultures—and there are differences in the details that are
illuminating.
I began
experimenting with digital imaging in the late 1980s. This, in turn,
stimulated my interest in other means of rendering my photographic
images. In 2003 I went back to school to earn an MFA in printmaking.
I have since been exploring ways to bring photography and
printmaking closer together.
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